DIY Sunflower Pattern Board with Cream & Metallic Gold

Bring a little farmhouse charm to your home with this simple sunflower pattern board. Melissa Miller of Millers Rustic Sawmill created this project during her Essential Stencil Live, using a natural wood board, a repeating sunflower stencil, creamy off-white paint, and touches of metallic gold.

The result is a warm, rustic piece that works beautifully as a centerpiece, layered décor, or a simple display board. You can even add feet and turn it into a decorative riser!

Project by Essential Stencil Ambassador Melissa Miller of Millers Rustic Sawmill. Melissa shares new stenciling projects and creative ideas every Tuesday.

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Jump to Project

• Materials
• Step 1: Position the Sunflower Stencil
• Step 2: Add the Cream Base Layer
• Step 3: Add Metallic Gold Accents
• Step 4: Clean and Reposition the Stencil
• Step 5: Repeat the Pattern
• Step 6: Finish the Board

Materials

Step 1: Position the Sunflower Stencil

Start with an 18" x 9" wood board. Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry. If needed, lightly sand the board for a smoother painting surface while keeping some of its natural rustic texture.

Place the sunflower pattern from the Sunflowers Bouquet Set along the top corner and edge of the board.

Use painter's tape to hold the stencil securely in place. Because the stencil is see-through, lining up the repeating pattern is easy.

Helpful trick: If the stencil wants to lift near an edge, roll up a small piece of painter's tape and tuck it underneath. This helps hold the stencil flat without adding tape over the design.

Step 2: Add the Cream Base Layer

Load a stencil brush with a small amount of off-white or cream acrylic paint. Before touching the stencil, offload the excess paint onto a coffee filter or other absorbent surface.

Use a light swirling motion to gradually build the color. Since the natural wood is darker, the cream layer creates a lighter base that will help the metallic gold accents stand out later.

For fuller coverage, allow the first layer to dry and add a second light coat.

The key to clean stenciling is using very little paint and building the color in layers. Avoid loading the brush with too much paint or trying to get complete coverage in one pass.

Step 3: Add Metallic Gold Accents

Once the cream paint is completely dry, switch to a clean stencil brush and add metallic gold paint to selected sunflowers.

There is no need to cover every flower with gold. Randomly placing the metallic accents creates variation and keeps the natural wood and cream colors visible.

Melissa switched to a clean brush so the gold would stay more distinct instead of blending into the cream.

A little metallic paint goes a long way. Use it as an accent to give the sunflower pattern a pretty touch of shine.

Step 4: Clean and Reposition the Stencil

Once the first section is finished, carefully remove the stencil. Clean away the paint before repositioning it for the next section.

When cleaning a stencil with lots of small details, wipe gently in the direction of the delicate pieces. Avoid pushing directly against small stencil sections, which can cause them to bend.

Once the stencil is clean enough to see through, line it up with the section you already completed. Overlap the design slightly so the repeating sunflower pattern flows naturally down the board.

Tape the stencil securely in place and you're ready to continue.

Step 5: Repeat the Pattern

Start the second section with the same cream paint. Use the same light, layered technique from the first section.

Melissa switched to a larger stencil brush for this portion because it offered a little more flexibility around the smaller openings in the design.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your brushes. Different stencil sizes and designs can work better with different brush sizes. Practice is the best way to find the technique that feels comfortable for you.

After the cream layer is complete and dry, add more random touches of metallic gold. Spread the accents throughout the second section so the finished design feels balanced from top to bottom.

Step 6: Finish the Board

Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the finished sunflower pattern.

The combination of natural wood, soft cream, and metallic gold creates a warm sunflower design with plenty of farmhouse character.

Display your finished board as a centerpiece, layer it into your home décor, or let it stand on its own. You could also add small feet underneath to turn it into a decorative riser.

If you plan to place heavier décor on the board or want additional protection for the painted surface, finish it with a water-based polycrylic or another suitable sealer.

Create Your Own Sunflower Board

This project is a great reminder that one repeating stencil can create a completely custom piece. Change the paint colors, adjust the placement of the metallic accents, or keep the wood even more natural for a different look.

Melissa used this board as part of a reversible seasonal set, pairing different designs on each side. It's a fun way to create décor that can change throughout the year without needing a whole collection of separate pieces.

Ready to start stenciling?

Shop the Sunflowers Bouquet Stencil Set and pair it with the Essential Stencil 4pc Stencil Brush Set to create your own sunflower-inspired décor.

Shopping with Melissa's ambassador code? Use MRS2019 at checkout.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see Melissa create this sunflower pattern board step by step? Watch the full Essential Stencil Live tutorial below!